Modeling compounds and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

Modeling compounds and methods for making the same are described. The modeling compounds, in some embodiments, comprise about 20% to about 40% by weight starch-based binder, and about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres dispersed throughout the compounds. In some embodiments, the modeling compound further comprises vinylpyrrolidone polymers.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/986,212, filed Apr. 12, 2013, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 13/446,413, filed Apr. 13, 2012, now U.S. Pat. No.8,871,017, the contents of each of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND

1. Field

This patent specification relates to compositions, methods of making andmethods of using modeling compounds. More particularly, this patentspecification relates to compositions, methods of making and methods ofusing starch-based modeling compounds containing microspheres.

2. Background

Starch and water based dough have several disadvantages for use bychildren and artists. Starch and water based dough usually exhibit poorplasticity, and substantial shrinking upon drying. Other drawbacksinclude poor extrudability, limiting the use of extrusion tools and theshapes that can be created.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a modeling compositioncomprising a starch-based binder, water, a retrogradation inhibitor andmicrospheres. According to some embodiments, the modeling compositioncan further comprise a surfactant. According to some embodiments, themodeling composition can further comprise a lubricant, salt, and apreservative.

According to some aspects of the disclosure, the modeling compositioncan comprise about 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about40% by weight starch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 5.0% by weightlubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% toabout 20% by weight salt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative,about 0.5% to about 5% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, 0% to about1% by weight hardener, about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres,0% to about 10% by weight humectant, 0% to about 0.5% by weightfragrance, and 0% to about 5% by weight colorant.

In other aspects of the disclosure, the modeling composition cancomprise about 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about 40%by weight starch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 8.0% by weightlubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% toabout 20% by weight salt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative,about 0.5% to about 10% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, about 0.15%to about 1.2% by weight microspheres, about 0.5% to about 8% by weightvinylpyrrolidone polymers, 0% to about 15% polyols, 0% to about 1% byweight hardener, 0% to about 0.5% by weight fragrance, and 0% to about5% by weight colorant.

According to some embodiments, the microspheres can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of pre-expanded microspheres, glassmicrospheres, or some combination thereof. The microspheres can behollow microspheres, solid microspheres or some combination thereof. Themicrospheres can have a size ranging from about 20 microns to about 130microns.

According to some embodiments, the starch-based binder can comprisegelatinized starch. According to some embodiments, the starch-basedbinder can be selected from a group consisting of one of wheat flour,rye flour, rice flour, tapioca flour or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the salt can be selected from the groupconsisting of one of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassiumchloride or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the lubricant can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of mineral oil, vegetable oil, vegetable fat,triglycerides or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the retrogradation inhibitor can compriseamylopectin. For example, the retrogradation inhibitor can be selectedfrom the group consisting of one of waxy corn starch, waxy rice starch,waxy potato starch or some combination thereof. According to someembodiments, the retrogradation inhibitor can be crosslinked starch,modified starch, modified crosslinked starch or some combinationthereof. For example, the retrogradation inhibitor can be crosslinkedwaxy maize starch, modified waxy maize starch, modified crosslinked waxymaize starch or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, themodeling composition can comprise up to 8 percent weight ofretrogradation inhibitor, such as crosslinked starch, modified starch,modified crosslinked starch.

According to some embodiments, the surfactant can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of polyethylene glycol esters of oleic acid,polyethylene glycol esters of stearic acid, polyethylene glycol estersof palmitic acid, polyethylene glycol esters of lauric acid, ethoxylatedalcohols, block copolymer of ethylene oxide, block copolymer ofpropylene oxide, block copolymer of ethylene and propylene oxides orsome combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the preservative is selected from thegroup consisting of one of calcium propionate, sodium benzoate,potassium sorbate, methyl paraben, ethyl paraben, butyl paraben or somecombination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the hardener can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of sodium aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminumsulfate, aluminum ammonium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, ammonium ferricsulfate or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the acidulant can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of citric acid, alum, potassium dihydrogensulphate or some combination thereof.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a method of preparing astarch-based modeling compound. According to some embodiments, themethod comprises providing a mixer, adding in the mixer and mixing about30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about 40% by weightstarch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 5.0% by weight lubricant, about0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% to about 20% by weightsalt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative, about 0.5% to about5% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, 0% to about 1% by weighthardener, about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres, 0% to about10% by weight humectant, 0% to about 0.5% by weight fragrance, and 0% toabout 5% by weight colorant.

According to some embodiments, the ingredients can be mixed to form afirst mixture prior to adding water to the first mixture, and the watercan be heated prior to adding the water to the first mixture.

According to some embodiments, the method comprises providing a mixer,adding the following ingredients to the mixer and mixing: about 20% toabout 40% by weight starch-based binder, about 5% to about 20% by weightsalt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative, about 0.5% to about8% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, 0% to about 1% by weighthardener, adding the following ingredients and mixing: about 2.0% toabout 8.0% by weight lubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weightsurfactant, adding the following ingredients and mixing: about 30% toabout 60% by weight water, about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weightmicrospheres, adding 0% to about 15% polyols and mixing; and optionallyadding % to about 0.5% by weight fragrance and 0% to about 5% by weightcolorant and mixing to form the starch-based modeling compound.

Further features and advantages will become more readily apparent fromthe following detailed description when taken in conjunction with theaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The patent or application file contains at least one drawing executed incolor. Copies of this patent or patent application publication withcolor drawing(s) will be provided by the Office upon request and paymentof the necessary fee.

The present disclosure is further described in the detailed descriptionwhich follows, in reference to the noted plurality of drawings by way ofnon-limiting examples of exemplary embodiments, and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a viscosity curve in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a viscosity curve in accordance with some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows molded objects in accordance with some embodiments.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D show the relationship between the amount ofglycerine present in the modeling compound according to one embodimentand shrinkage of the modeling compound under ambient conditions(square), at 120° F. (triangle) or at 40% relative humidity (diamond).FIG. 4A shows the shrinkage of the modeling compound in the absence ofglycerine in function of time (days). FIG. 4B shows the shrinkage of themodeling compound in the presence of 5% glycerine in function of time(days). FIG. 4C shows the shrinkage of the modeling compound in thepresence of 10% glycerine in function of time (days). FIG. 4D shows theshrinkage of the modeling compound in the presence of 15% glycerine infunction of time (days).

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C show the creation of artwork on a substrate usingthe modeling compound according to some embodiments. FIG. 5A shows apatterned substrate according to some embodiments. FIG. 5B shows thepatterned substrate after application of the modelling compoundaccording to some embodiments. FIG. 5C shows the creation of artwork ona substrate using the modeling compound according to some embodiments.

FIGS. 6A, 6B and 6C show the creation of artwork using the modelingcompound according to some embodiments. FIG. 6A shows the differentparts of an unassembled birdhouse to be assembled according to someembodiments. FIG. 6B shows the birdhouse assembled using the modelingcompound according to some embodiments. FIG. 6C shows the decoratedbirdhouse using the modeling compound according to some embodiments.

FIG. 7 shows the viscosity (Eta) in function of the shear rate (D) andthe shear stress (Tau) in function of the shear rate (D).

While the above-identified drawings set forth presently disclosedembodiments, other embodiments are also contemplated, as noted in thediscussion. This disclosure presents illustrative embodiments by way ofrepresentation and not limitation. Numerous other modifications andembodiments can be devised by those skilled in the art which fall withinthe scope and spirit of the principles of the presently disclosedembodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description provides exemplary embodiments only, and isnot intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of thedisclosure. Rather, the following description of the exemplaryembodiments will provide those skilled in the art with an enablingdescription for implementing one or more exemplary embodiments. It beingunderstood that various changes may be made in the function andarrangement of elements without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Specific details are given in the following description to provide athorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it will beunderstood by one of ordinary skill in the art that the embodiments maybe practiced without these specific details. For example, systems,processes, and other elements in the invention may be shown ascomponents in block diagram form in order not to obscure the embodimentsin unnecessary detail. In other instances, well-known processes,structures, and techniques may be shown without unnecessary detail inorder to avoid obscuring the embodiments. Further, like referencenumbers and designations in the various drawings indicated likeelements.

Also, it is noted that individual embodiments may be described as aprocess which is depicted as a flowchart, a flow diagram, a data flowdiagram, a structure diagram, or a block diagram. Although a flowchartmay describe the operations as a sequential process, many of theoperations can be performed in parallel or concurrently. In addition,the order of the operations may be re-arranged. A process may beterminated when its operations are completed, but could have additionalsteps not discussed or included in a figure. Furthermore, not alloperations in any particularly described process may occur in allembodiments. A process may correspond to a method, a function, aprocedure, a subroutine, a subprogram, etc. When a process correspondsto a function, its termination corresponds to a return of the functionto the calling function or the main function.

Furthermore, embodiments of the invention may be implemented, at leastin part, either manually or automatically. Manual or automaticimplementations may be executed, or at least assisted, through the useof machines, hardware, software, firmware, middleware, microcode,hardware description languages, or any combination thereof. Whenimplemented in software, firmware, middleware or microcode, the programcode or code segments to perform the necessary tasks may be stored in amachine readable medium. A processor(s) may perform the necessary tasks.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to starch-based modelingcompounds and methods for preparing starch-based modeling compounds.Other aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods of usingmodeling compound. As used herein, the terms “modeling compound” and“modeling dough” are used interchangeably.

The starch or starch-based binder defining the matrix of the modelingcompound can be selected from, for example, wheat flour, rye flour, riceflour, tapioca flour, and the like and combinations thereof. Starch isthe primary source of stored energy in cereal grains. Starches arecomposed primarily of amylose, a comparatively low molecular weightstraight-chain carbohydrate, and/or amylopectin, a branched carbohydratehaving a much higher molecular weight and, in solution, a higherviscosity. For example, wheat starch contains about 25% amylose andabout 75% amylopectin; and tapioca starch contains about 17% amylose andabout 83% amylopectin. (Percentages herein refer to percentage byweight, unless otherwise specified). Waxy starches contain at leastabout 90% amylopectin. Waxy corn starch, for example, contains less thanabout 1% amylose and greater than about 99% amylopectin.

Amylose and amylopectin do not exist free in nature, but as componentsof discrete, semicrystalline aggregates called starch granules. It isthe crystalline regions that give the starch granule its structure andfacilitate identification of uncooked starch.

The presence of numerous hydroxyl groups in starch allows for thehydration of starch through hydrogen bonding. For example, high amylosestarch can be gelatinized by steam jet cooking at 140° C. The hydrationprocess in presence of heat produces a change in the structure of thestarch granule. The starch-starch molecular interactions are disruptedand replaced by starch-water interactions. When an aqueous starchdispersion is heated, gelatinization occurs, during which the crystalstructure of starch granules is disrupted, and the starch granulesabsorb water and hydrate, and produces a viscous hydrocolloidalsolution. As used herein, the term “gelatinization” refers to thedisruption of molecular orders within the starch granule, manifested inchanges in properties such as granular swelling, native crystallitemelting, loss of birefringence, and starch solubilization. Starchgelatinization generally refers to the process that breaks down theassociation of starch molecules, in the presence of water and heat. Theabsorption of water, which acts as a plasticizer, and formation ofhydrogen bonding with water decreases the number of and size ofcrystalline regions of starch granules.

In some embodiments, the starch-based modeling dough includesgelatinized starch. There is a need for a starch-based modeling compoundthat has a soft, flexible texture, low viscosity, and resistsretrogradation and hardening over time.

Amylose fractions will upon cooling form crystalline aggregates byhydrogen bonding or retrogradation. Retrogradation is a processinvolving reassociation of starch molecules that occurs after afreshly-made starch gel is cooled. During retrogradation, stablehydrogen bonding forms between linear segments of amylose producing anaggregate or gel network, which can depend upon the concentration ofamylose in the product.

Amylopectin starch is known to be resistant to retrogradation. However,when amylopectin is mixed with water and heated, it tends to form apaste having a sticky texture, rather than a soft gel, which is desiredfor a modeling compound. A sticky texture in a modeling compound maycause the modeling compound to be messy for the user to manipulate, asthe compound is more likely to stick to hands, molds, toys, furniture,and carpeting. Yet, in some embodiments, the composition of the modelingcompound is designed to adhere to a substrate to allow the creation ofartwork.

The processes of gelatinization and retrogradation affect thecharacteristics of starch-containing products, such as starch-basedmodeling compounds. During manufacturing of starch-based modelingcompounds, gelatinization occurs, forming modeling compounds that aresoft, and easy to manipulate and shape, due to their soft texture andlow viscosity. However, retrogradation begins to occur shortly aftermanufacturing, and is usually well advanced in as little as 48 hours.Retrogradation causes significant hardening of starch-based modelingcompounds and increases viscosity. The hardening and increasing ofviscosity of the modeling compounds is undesirable because the hardenedcompounds are more difficult to manipulate and shape, particularly byyoung children.

Accordingly some aspects of the present disclosure refer to starch-basedmodeling compound that is soft, flexible, and extrudable, has a lowviscosity, and is not sticky. Yet, other aspects of the presentdisclosure relate to starch-based modeling compound that is soft,flexible, and easily extrudable, has a low viscosity and has adhesiveproperties.

In some embodiments, the modeling compound comprises from about 20weight percent to about 50 weight percent of starch-based binder. Insome embodiments, the starch-based binder comprises gelatinized starch.For example, the starch-based binder can comprise starch that is atleast 50%, at least 75%, or at least 95% gelatinized starch.

In some embodiments, the starch-based modeling compound comprises aretrogradation inhibitor. For example, the modeling compound cancomprises up to 5 weight percent, or up to 10 weight percentretrogradation inhibitor. In some embodiments, the starch-based modelingcompound comprises from 0.5 weight percent to 7.5 weight percentretrogradation inhibitor. The retrogradation inhibitor can compriseamylopectin. The retrogradation inhibitor can comprise a waxy starch.For example, the retrogradation inhibitor can be selected from waxy cornstarch, waxy rice starch, waxy potato starch, crosslinked starch,modified starch and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, theretrogradation inhibitor can comprise up to 8 weight percent crosslinkedcornstarch or modified crosslinked cornstarch. Any crosslinked starchthat can improve binding, that does not hydrolyse at low pH (e.g. pH ofless than 4) and has a stable viscosity at elevated temperatures (e.g.70° C. to 80° C.) can be used. For example, the retrogradation inhibitorcan comprise crosslinked waxy maize starch, stabilized and crosslinkedwaxy maize starch, stabilized and low to moderately crosslinked waxymaize starch, stabilized and highly crosslinked waxy maize starch or acombination thereof. One skilled in the art will appreciate that theaddition of cross-linked starch can improve binding to from a homogenousdough, provide thickening, provide stable viscosity under low pH andincreased heating conditions, provide high shear tolerance, increase thestability of the modeling compound. Accordingly, the modeling compoundcan have an improved texture. In some embodiments, the retrogradationinhibitor can comprise waxy maize starch, waxy corn starch, waxy ricestarch, waxy potato starch, crosslinked starch, crosslinked waxy maizestarch, stabilized and crosslinked waxy maize starch, stabilized andhighly crosslinked waxy maize starch, amylopectin or a combinationthereof.

Generally, air-dryable starch-based modeling compounds have a tendencyto crack, flake, crumble and shrink upon drying. Because water contentis relatively high in the wet stage of the dough, water loss upondrying, results in a commensurate volume loss in the finished moldedpiece. In addition, since wet, starch-based modeling compounds have arelatively low plasticity and high rheological values, it can bedifficult for the users to extrude and can limit the users in the rangeof designs, shapes that can be created.

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a starch-based modelingcompound with high degree of plasticity, ductility and extrudabilitywhen wet and low tendency to crack and limited volume shrinkage upondrying. Such modeling compounds may be used by small children andartists in general. In some embodiments, the modeling compound disclosedherein may be used using extrusion apparatus to form a variety ofshapes, articles or artwork, such as designs on a substrate.

As used herein the term “viscosity” refers to the measure of theinternal friction of a fluid, i.e. when a layer of fluid is made to moverelative to another layer. The greater the friction the greater theamount of force required to cause this movement also referred herein asshear. Shearing occurs when the fluid is physically moved by pouring,spreading, mixing, etc. In general, viscosity is proportional to theforce necessary to cause a substance to flow.

It will be appreciated that the modeling compounds disclosed herein canhave pseudoplastic properties. As such, the modeling compounds describedherein can have the capability of changing apparent viscosity with achange in shear rate. For example, the viscosity of the modelingcompound described herein can increase when the shear rate decreases andvice versa.

It is also understood that the modeling compounds described herein canbe thixotropic, that is that the viscosity of the modeling compounds candecrease when shear rate is constant.

The rheological properties of the modeling compounds can be achieved byvarying the starch binder, the filler, the retrogradation inhibitor, thesurfactant, the water and other components or additives relative to oneanother and their relative proportion. Desirable rheological propertiesof the modeling compounds include, among others, pliability,extrudability, and reduced viscosity. For example, water content, andproduction temperature can have a significant impact on the viscosity ofthe modeling compound. Addition of microspheres, retrogradationinhibitor, surfactant and any combinations of any of the foregoing canalso have a significant impact on the viscosity and extrudability of themodeling compound.

Additional desirable properties of the modeling compounds include, butare not limited to, for example, color stability, long usage time andstorage stability.

Microspheres

According to some embodiments, the modeling compound comprisesmicrospheres. The microspheres can be solid or hollow. For example, themodeling compound comprises hollow microspheres that can be dispersed asfiller in the modeling compound comprising starch as a matrix. In someembodiments, the modeling composition comprises from about 0.15 weightpercent to about 1.2 weight percent of microspheres. As used herein, theterm “microsphere” relates to non-toxic particles having a spherical orgenerally spherical shape with a diameter ranging from about 1 micron toabout 100 microns, or from about 1 to about 500 microns, or from about 1to about 1,000 microns. In some embodiments, the microspheres used inthe composition have a particle size ranging from about 30 to about 60,from about 30 to about 100, from about 30 to about 150, from about 90microns to about 130 microns. Microspheres with larger diameter may beused and may be desirable depending on the desired consistency of themodeling compound.

Examples of microspheres include, but are not limited to, ceramicmicrospheres, silica alumina alloy microspheres, plastic microspheres,glass microspheres and combinations thereof. An example of glassmicrospheres may include those made of soda lime borosilicate glass orthe like, such as Scotchlite™ Type K or S, for example K-25, from 3MCorporation. An example of ceramic microspheres may include fly ashmicrospheres or the like, such as Zeospheres from 3M Corporation. Anexample of thermoplastic microspheres include those made ofacrylonitrile/vinylidene chloride copolymers from Akzo-Nobel, such asExapancel® DE microspheres (such as Exapancel® 920DET40d25) andacrylonitrile copolymer microspheres from Matsumoto (such as Micropearl®F-80DE). In some embodiments, a mixture of more than one glass, ceramic,thermoplastic, and thermoset plastic microspheres can be used to obtainone or more desired mechanical properties.

Hollow plastic microspheres can be made from a variety of materials andare generally available in sizes ranging from 10 to 1000 micron diameterand densities ranging from 0.022 to 0.2 g/cc. Any of these materials, orcombination of such materials, may be employed for the purpose ofachieving particular combination of properties.

In some embodiments, pre-expanded microspheres having an acrylonitrilecopolymer shell encapsulating volatile hydrocarbon are used. Thecopolymer shell can comprise various copolymers selected from, but notlimited to, polyvinyldiene chloride, acrylonitrile, and acrylic ester.Such microspheres can have a size ranging from about 20 to about 200microns and a true specific gravity of 0.022.

The low density of hollow microspheres can reduce the overall density ofthe dough comprising the hollow microspheres since water and the rest ofthe components have much higher densities. Microspheres remain intactduring the manufacturing process because mixing and pumping equipment donot exert enough force to fracture them.

In some embodiments, the composition of the modeling compound has aconcentration of microspheres ranging from about 0.15% to about 1.2% byweight. In some embodiments, up to 2%, up to 3%, up to 4%, up to 5%, upto 6% by weight. In some embodiments, the weight content of hollowmicrosphere can be optimized according to a desired property of themodeling compound, such as ease of formability, ease of extrusion,stickiness, shape preservation etc. According to some embodiments, themicrospheres can make from about 20 to about 25% of the volume of themodeling compound due to the low actual partial volume of the water.While the weight percent of the water in the modeling compound can behigh (e.g. from about 30% to about 60%), the actual partial volume ofthe water is relatively low due to the relatively high density of thewater (1.0 g/cc) and the low density of the microspheres. For example,the microspheres can occupy about 22% of the modeling compound byvolume. As a result, upon evaporation of the water during the dryingstep, the modeling dough made with microspheres shrinks less thanmodeling dough made without microspheres, resulting in improved shapepreservation and dimensional stability of the molded shape.

In some embodiments, the modeling composition comprising microspherescan change the mechanical properties resulting in a starch-basedmodeling compound being softer, more flexible, easier to extrude andhaving low viscosity. For instance, the starch-based modeling compoundaccording to some embodiments comprising microspheres and retrogradationinhibitor can have a viscosity of, for example, from about 250 Pascalseconds to about 500 Pascal seconds, in comparison to a conventionalstarch-based compound including retrogradation inhibitor but notincluding microspheres, which can have a viscosity of, for example, fromabout 1,300 Pascal seconds to about 1,500 Pascal seconds (See FIG. 1).

Due to the shape and size of the microspheres, the microspheres canoffer a ball-bearing effect and the space that is not occupied by themicrospheres can accommodate water and the other components of themodeling compound mixture so as to be movable during modeling.

Furthermore, such compositions make the modeling compound easier to use.For example, extrusion force that needs to be applied by the users whenusing extrusion device can be significantly reduced. Such modelingcompounds can be used to form a variety of shapes (such as geometric andnon-geometric shapes, linear and non-linear shapes, etc,), articles orartwork. These modeling compounds may be molded with tools, by hand, bymolds or using extrusion devices to form a variety of shapes, articlesor artwork, as noted above. Artists can use extrusion devices to fashionmodeling compounds into a wide variety of desirable shapes, such as,animals, flowers, and artwork or to form fanciful designs and the like.Examples of tools, include, but are not limited to, a decorating gun, aribbon extruder tool, hand held food extruder and the like to createdesigns, and decorations, such as cake decoration. In addition, themodeling compound can be used in a pen-like device or any device capableof applying the modeling compound onto a surface, such as paper, toproduce art like effects.

In some embodiments, the microspheres appear white so as not interferewith the coloration to the modeling compound.

Modeling Compound Compositions

According to some embodiments, the starch-based modeling compound cancomprise (1) about 30% to about 60% by weight of water; (2) about 5% toabout 20% by weight of salt; (3) about 2.0% to about 5% by weight oflubricant; (4) 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight of surfactant; (5) about 20%to about 40% by weight of starch-based binder; (6) 0.5% to about 5% byweight of retrogradation inhibitor; (7) 0.1% to about 1% by weight ofpreservative and (8) about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight ofmicrospheres.

According to other embodiments, the starch-based modeling compound cancomprise (1) about 30% to about 60% by weight of water, (2) about 5% toabout 20% by weight of salt, (3) about 2.0% to about 8% by weight oflubricant, (4) 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight of surfactant, (5) about 20%to about 40% by weight of starch-based binder, (6) 0.5% to about 10% byweight of retrogradation inhibitor, (7) 0.1% to about 1% by weight ofpreservative and (8) about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight ofmicrospheres.

In some embodiments, the composition can include up to about 1% byweight of hardener. In some embodiments, the composition can include upto about 10% or up to 15% by weight of humectant. In some embodiments,the composition can include up to about 0.5% by weight of fragrance. Insome embodiments, the composition can include up to about 3.5% by weightof colorant.

The water generally meets the National Primary Drinking WaterSpecifications. In some embodiments, the modeling compound comprisesfrom about 30 weight percent to about 60 weight percent of water. Watercan act as a plasticizer, to increase the plasticity of the modelingcompound.

The salt can be selected from, for example, sodium chloride, calciumchloride, and potassium chloride. The presence of the salt can reduceamount of water needed for hydration for starch. In some embodiments,the salt can provide the modeling compound with antimicrobialcharacteristics. In some embodiments, the modeling compound comprisesfrom about 5 weight percent to about 20 weight percent of salt.

A preservative can also be added to increase the shelf life of themodeling compound. The preservative can be selected from, for example,calcium propionate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, methyl paraben,ethyl paraben, butyl paraben, and combinations thereof. The preservativecan also be any other appropriate preservative known to those skilled inthe art, such as one or more preservative compounds that inhibit moldgrowth at a pH of less than about 4.5, used alone or in combination. Itshould be appreciated that the presence of salt can also inhibitmicrobial growth.

The lubricant can be selected from, for example, mineral spirits,mineral oil, vegetable oil, vegetable fat and combinations thereof. Themineral oil can be, a triglyceride derived from vegetable oil orcaprylic/capric triglyceride. In some embodiments, the lubricant is acombination of mineral oil and triglycerides. Such lubricantcombination, according to some embodiments, provides for a less oilymodeling compound. The lubricant can act to prevent the dough frombecoming sticky and to impart softness and smoothness to the dough.Another function of this component is to facilitate separation of themolded article from the tool used for molding. In some embodiments, themodeling compound comprises from about 2 weight percent to about 5weight percent of lubricant or from about 2 weight percent to about 8weight percent of lubricant.

The surfactant can be selected from, for example, polyethylene glycolesters of oleic acid (e.g. Tween 80), polyethylene glycol esters ofstearic acid (e.g. Tween 60), polyethylene glycol esters of palmiticacid (e.g. Tween 40), polyethylene glycol esters of lauric acid (e.g.Tween 20), ethoxylated alcohols (for example, Neodol 23-6.5, ShellChemicals), block copolymer of ethylene oxide or propylene oxide. Insome embodiments, the surfactant has a hydrophilic lipophile balance(HLB) of about 12-20. In some embodiments, the surfactant can be anydifunctional block copolymer surfactant capable of wetting themicrospheres and being hydrophilic. For example, the surfactant can be adifunctional block copolymer surfactant having a HLB ranging from about1 to about 7. Such properties can allow for plasticization of themodeling compound and can help the microspheres to stay embedded intothe modeling compound. In some embodiments, the modeling compoundcomprises up to 1%, up to 2%, up to 3% or up to about 4% weight ofsurfactant. For example, the modeling compound can comprise 1.2%difunctional block copolymer surfactant. In some embodiments, thepresence of surfactant can lower the viscosity of the modeling compound.For example, the viscosity of a modeling compound comprising asurfactant, such as for example, 1.2% difunctional block copolymersurfactant, can be half that of the viscosity of the same compound whichdoes not include the surfactant (FIG. 2). In addition the surfactant canaid the extrusion of the modeling compound.

In some embodiments, the combination of lubricant and surfactant canreduce the stickiness of the starch-based modeling compound. In someembodiments, the lubricant has a low enough viscosity so that themodeling compound does not feel objectionably oily.

In some embodiments, the modeling compound can include a hardener. Forexample, the modeling compound can include up to 1 weight percent ofhardener. The hardener can be selected from, for example, sodiumaluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, aluminum ammonium sulfate,aluminum sulfate, and ammonium ferric sulphate or the like.

In some embodiments, the modeling compound can also include anacidulant. The acidulant can be selected from, for example, citric acid,alum, potassium dihydrogen sulphate or some combinations thereof.However, any known nontoxic acid can be used. The modeling compound canhave a pH of about 3.5 to about 4.5. The modeling compound can have a pHof about 3.8 to about 4.2.

In some embodiments, the modeling compound can include a humectant orhygroscopic additive. Hygroscopic additives have the ability to attractand hold water molecules through absorption or adsorption, therebyincreasing the adhesive physical characteristic of the modelingcompound. In some embodiments, the modeling compound can includepolyols. For example, the modeling compound can comprise glycerine,sorbitol, propylene glycol or any other polyol or a combination thereof.Humectants can also reduce brittleness of the dried dough, reduceshrinkage of the artwork, and slow drying to increase working time. Somehumectants can also act as a plasticizer, to increase the plasticity ofthe modeling compound.

The fragrance can be, for example, any water-dispersible oroil-dispersible nontoxic fragrance wherein the fragrance can be eitherpleasing (i.e., flower, food, etc.) or not pleasing (i.e., bitter, etc.)to a human's smell.

A colorant may be included to the modeling compound. The colorant caninclude, for example, any nontoxic dyes, pigments, phosphorescentpigments, or macro-sized particles such, as glitter or pearlescentmaterials.

In some aspects, certain desirable features of the modeling compoundinclude adequate flowability and pliability to be extruded with a handheld extruder, adequate wet track to be applied onto a substrate to forma three dimensional pattern, and adequate adhesion onto the substrate.In some embodiments, the modeling compound has adequate sag resistanceso that applied three dimensional artwork obtained by extruding themodeling compound do not sag. In some embodiments, the modeling compoundis sufficiently extrudable to be extruded homogenously to form ahomogenous three-dimensional design (line, bead, etc. . . . ) on asubstrate or surface.

In some embodiments, the modeling compound can have adhesive propertiesand flow resistance properties such that the modeling compound can stayin place after application and/or to enable application of the modelingcompound on a vertical substrate. In some embodiments, the modelingcompound can include additives that allow it to function as an adhesive,especially when creating three dimensional artwork (see FIG. 5B, FIG.5C, FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B).

Some additives can be used to provide the desired adhesive properties ofthe modeling compound. In some embodiments, the modeling compound caninclude water soluble vinylpyrrolidone polymers, water solublevinylpyrrolidone copolymers, or a combination thereof. In someembodiments, the vinylpyrrolidone polymers can be vinylpyrrolidonehomopolymers, vinylpyrrolidone copolymers and some combination thereof.Vinylpyrrolidone polymers having a molecular weight ranging from 40,000to 3,000,000 can be used. In some embodiments, vinylpyrrolidone polymershaving a molecular weight from about 900,000 and 1,500,000 can be used.Vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers have adhesive and bindingpowers, thickening properties and an affinity to hydrophilic andhydrophobic surfaces. In some embodiments, the modeling compoundincludes a combination of polyols and vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/orcopolymers. For example, the modeling compound can comprise glycerine,sorbitol, propylene glycol or any other polyol or a combination thereof.In some embodiments, the modeling compound can include glycerine,vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers, or a combination thereof.Without being bound by the theory, it is believed that the combinationof polyols such as glycerine and vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/orcopolymers, contribute to the flow resistance of the modeling compoundand to the adhesion of the modeling compound to the substrate. Theaddition of polyols such as glycerine to the modeling compound isbelieved to improve the adhesive properties of the compound comprisingvinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers to substrates and to reducethe shrinkage of the dried design. In addition, presence of glycerine inthe modeling compound can improve the function of the modeling compoundunder arid conditions, for example when used indoors, by helping tomaintain the moisture content of the modeling compound.

In some aspect, the modeling compound comprising the combination ofglycerine and vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers has anadhesive property permitting the modeling compound to adhere onto avariety of substrates. For example, the modeling compound can, in someembodiments, comprise about 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20%to about 40% by weight starch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 8.0% byweight lubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about5% to about 20% by weight salt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weightpreservative, about 0.5% to about 10% by weight retrogradationinhibitor, about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres, about 0.5%to about 8% by weight vinylpyrrolidone polymers, 0% to about 15%polyols, 0% to about 1% by weight hardener, 0% to about 0.5% by weightfragrance, and 0% to about 5% by weight colorant. The substrate can befor example, paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, wood, rubber, fabric etc.. . . . Such adhesive properties allow the user to decorate a variety ofobjects or to deposit the modeling compound onto a printed patterndepicting a predetermined item (e.g. flower, animal etc. . . . ) (seeFIG. 5A, FIG. 5B, and FIG. 6C). In some embodiments, the modelingcompound can be used to create a three-dimensional artwork without theuse of additional adhesive or glue (see FIG. 6B and FIG. 6C).

Methods of Making

According to some aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofpreparing a starch-based modeling compound includes the steps of: (a)providing a mixer; and (b) adding the following ingredients to themixer: (1) about 30% to about 60% by weight of water; (2) about 5% toabout 20% by weight of salt; (3) about 2.0% to about 5% by weight oflubricant; (4) about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight of surfactant; (5)about 20% to about 40% by weight of starch-based binder; (6) about 0.5%to about 5% by weight of retrogradation preventing agent; (7) about 0.1%to about 1% by weight of preservative and (8) about 0.15% to about 1.2%by weight of microspheres; and (c) mixing the ingredients.

In some embodiments, the ingredient can optionally also include up toabout 1% by weight hardener; up to about 10% by weight humectant; up toabout 0.5% by weight fragrance; and up to about 5% by weight colorant.

In some embodiments, salt, lubricant, surfactant, starch-based binder,preservative, retrogradation inhibitor, microspheres and optionally,fragrance, colorant, hardener, and humectant can be mixed to form afirst mixture. Water can be heated to sufficiently gelatinize starchbefore being added to the first mixture to form a second mixture. Thetemperature is then cooled at room temperature.

Any suitable mixer known to those skilled in the art can be used, suchas an ordinary bakery dough mixer or any suitable stainless steel mixer.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofpreparing a starch-based modeling compound includes the steps of: (a)providing a mixer, and (b) adding the following ingredients to themixer: (1) about 30% to about 60% by weight of water; (2) about 5% toabout 20% by weight of salt; (3) about 2.0% to about 8% by weight oflubricant; (4) about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight of surfactant; (5)about 20% to about 40% by weight of starch-based binder; (6) about 0.5%to about 10% by weight of retrogradation inhibitor; (7) about 0.1% toabout 1% by weight of preservative, (8) about 0.15% to about 1.2% byweight of microspheres, (9) about 0.5% to about 8% of vinylpyrrolidonepolymer or copolymer, (10) up to about 15% polyols and (11) up to about1% by weight hardener; and (c) mixing the ingredients.

In some embodiments, the ingredient can optionally also include up toabout 0.5% by weight fragrance; and up to about 5% by weight colorant.

In some embodiments, salt, starch-based binder, preservative,retrogradation inhibitor, microspheres and optionally, hardener, andvinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers can be mixed to form a firstmixture. Block copolymer surfactant, and lubricant can be subsequentlyadded to from a second mixture. Microspheres can then be added to thesecond mixture to from a third mixture. Water can be heated before beingadded to the third mixture to form a fourth mixture. The polyol can thenbe added to the fourth mixture. Any suitable mixer known to thoseskilled in the art can be used, such as an ordinary bakery dough mixeror any suitable stainless steel mixer.

According to other aspects of the present disclosure, a method ofpreparing a starch-based modeling compound includes the steps of: (a)providing mixer, (b) adding the following ingredients to the mixer:salt, hardener, preservative, starch-based binder, retrogradationinhibitor, vinylpyrrolidone polymers and/or copolymers, (c) mixing theingredients, (d) adding block copolymer surfactant, and lubricant, (e)mixing the ingredients, (f) adding the microspheres, (g) adding water,(h) mixing the ingredients, (i) adding the glycerine, (j) mixing theingredients, and (k) optionally adding the fragrance and mixing. In someembodiments, the mixer can be preheated to, for example, 70° C., beforeadding the ingredients. In some embodiments, water can be heated, forexample at 80° C. before being added to the mixture. In someembodiments, the ingredients can be mixed for 3 minutes at step (c) andat step (e), for 4 minutes at step (h), and for 1 minute at step (j) and(k).

Process of Using

It should be appreciated that the composition of the compounds of thepresent disclosure can make the modeling compound easier to use. Forexample, extrusion force that needs to be applied by the users whenusing extrusion device can be significantly reduced, making it easier tobe used by children and artists. Such modeling compounds can be used toform a variety of shapes (such as geometric and non-geometric shapes,linear and non-linear shapes, etc,), articles or artwork. These modelingcompounds may be molded with tools, by hand, by molds or using extrusiondevices to form a variety of shapes, articles or artwork, as notedabove. Artists can use extrusion devices to fashion modeling compoundsinto a wide variety of desirable shapes, such as, animals, flowers, andartwork or to form fanciful designs and the like. Examples of tools,include, but are not limited to, a decorating gun, a ribbon extrudertool, hand held food extruder and the like to create designs, anddecorations, such as cake decoration. In addition, the modeling compoundcan be used in a pen-like device or any device capable of applying themodeling compound onto a surface, such as paper, to produce art likeeffects.

In some embodiments, the modeling compound can be deposited onto asubstrate and allowed to remain undisturbed for a suitable period oftime to allow the modeling compound to dry and adhere onto thesubstrate. In some embodiments, the modeling compound can act as anadhesive. In some aspect, the modeling compound has an adhesion propertypermitting the modeling compound to adhere onto a variety of substratesor to be glued together to form a three dimensional artwork. Thesubstrate can be for example, paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, wood,rubber, fabric etc. . . . . Such adhesive properties allow the user todecorate a variety of objects or to deposit onto a printed patterndepicting a predetermined item (e.g. flower, animal etc. . . . ) (FIG.5A). In some embodiment, the modeling compound can be used as anadhesive or glue to piece together different parts of artwork and form athree dimensional artwork (FIG. 6A and FIG. 6B).

In some aspects, the modeling compound can be manipulated using anapplicator, such as stampers (to, for example, stamp patterns intocompound, a roller cutter, a sculpting tools, a squeegee (to, forexample, squeegee compound into recessed/embossed design or to justclean compound away from surface), a pattern roller (to, for example,roll patterns into compound) or a pen-like device. In some aspects, themodeling compound can be extruded using an extruder, a caulk gun styleextruder (such as a pump action extruder) or a half mold press extruder(to, for example, squeeze and mold flowers, butterflies, hearts, charms,etc. onto a surface).

In some embodiments, the modeling compound can be used to form a threedimensional artwork. In some embodiments, if the compound is neon, themodeling compound can be used to form a black light artwork display thatcan light up under LED lights.

EXAMPLES

The present disclosure will be described with reference to the followingexamples, however the present disclosure is by no means limited to theseexamples.

Example 1 Exemplary Formulation of the Modeling Compounds

Table 1 through Table 5 below provide exemplary formulations for thestarch-based modeling compound according to first aspect of thedisclosure in weight percent of the total compound.

Table 1 provides an exemplary formulation for the instant starch-basedmodeling compound in weight percent of the total compound comprising astarch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor such as waxy maizestarch, a difunctional block copolymer surfactant and pre-expandedmicrospheres.

TABLE 1 Formulation of the modeling compound 1 Modeling Compound 1INGREDIENT Weight Percent SODIUM CHLORIDE 6.067 CALCIUM CHLORIDE 6.067ALUMINUM SULFATE 0.600 POTASSIUM SORBATE 0.300 SODIUM BENZOATE 0.200STARCH-BASED BINDER: FLOUR 30.000 WAXY MAIZE STARCH (C-GEL 04230) 2.333BLOCK COPOLYMER SURFACTANT 1.200 F-80DE MICROPEARL ® 0.600 VEGETABLE OIL1.667 MINERAL OIL 1.667 WATER 49.167 FRAGRANCE 0.033 PIGMENT 0.100 TOTAL100.000

Table 2 provides an exemplary formulation for the instant starch-basedmodeling compound in weight percent of the total compound comprising astarch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor such as waxy maizestarch, a conventional non-ionic surfactant and pre-expandedmicrospheres.

TABLE 2 Formulation of the modeling compound 2 Modeling Compound 2INGREDIENT Weight Percent SODIUM CHLORIDE 6.067 CALCIUM CHLORIDE 6.067ALUMINUM SULFATE 0.600 POTASSIUM SORBATE 0.300 SODIUM BENZOATE 0.200STARCH-BASED BINDER: FLOUR 30.000 WAXY MAIZE STARCH (C-GEL 04230) 2.333TWEEN 60 1.200 F-80DE MICROPEARL ® 0.600 VEGETABLE OIL 1.667 MINERAL OIL1.667 WATER 49.167 FRAGRANCE 0.033 PIGMENT 0.100 TOTAL 100.000

Table 3 provides an exemplary formulation for the instant starch-basedmodeling compound in weight percent of the total compound comprising astarch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor such as waxy maizestarch, a difunctional block copolymer surfactant and glassmicrospheres.

TABLE 3 Formulation of the modeling compound 3 Modeling Compound 3INGREDIENT Weight Percent SODIUM CHLORIDE 5.714 CALCIUM CHLORIDE 5.714ALUMINUM SULFATE 1.256 POTASSIUM SORBATE 0.300 SODIUM BENZOATE 0.200STARCH-BASED BINDER: FLOUR 28.258 WAXY MAIZE STARCH (C-GEL 04230) 2.198BLOCK COPOLYMER SURFACTANT 1.130 SCOTHCHLITE ™ GLASS BUBBLES K25 5.652VEGETABLE OIL 1.570 MINERAL OIL 1.570 WATER 46.313 FRAGRANCE 0.031PIGMENT 0.094 TOTAL 100.000

Table 4 provides an exemplary formulation for the instant starch-basedmodeling compound in weight percent of the total compound comprising astarch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor such as waxy maizestarch, a difunctional block copolymer surfactant and pre-expandedmicrospheres having a diameter from 35 to 55 μm and true density rangingfrom of 0.025 g/cc to 0.25 g/cc.

TABLE 4 Formulation of the modeling compound 4 Modeling Compound 4INGREDIENT Weight Percent SODIUM CHLORIDE 6.067 CALCIUM CHLORIDE 6.067ALUMINUM SULFATE 0.600 POTASSIUM SORBATE 0.300 SODIUM BENZOATE 0.200STARCH-BASED BINDER: FLOUR 30.000 WAXY MAIZE STARCH (C-GEL 04230) 2.333BLOCK COPOLYMER SURFACTANT 1.200 EXPANCEL ® 920DET40d25 0.600 VEGETABLEOIL 1.667 MINERAL OIL 1.667 WATER 49.167 FRAGRANCE 0.033 PIGMENT 0.100TOTAL 100.000

Table 5 provides an exemplary formulation for the instant starch-basedmodeling compound in weight percent of the total compound comprising astarch-based binder, a retrogradation inhibitor such as waxy maizestarch, a difunctional block copolymer surfactant, pre-expandedmicrospheres and a humectant.

TABLE 5 Formulation of the modeling compound 5 Modeling Compound 5INGREDIENT Weight Percent SODIUM CHLORIDE 6.067 CALCIUM CHLORIDE 6.067ALUMINUM SULFATE 0.600 POTASSIUM SORBATE 0.300 SODIUM BENZOATE 0.200STARCH-BASED BINDER: FLOUR 30.000 WAXY MAIZE STARCH (C-GEL 04230) 2.333BLOCK COPOLYMER SURFACTANT 1.200 F-80DE MICROPEARL ® 0.600 VEGETABLE OIL1.667 GLYCERIN 3.000 MINERAL OIL 1.667 WATER 46.167 FRAGRANCE 0.033PIGMENT 0.100 TOTAL 100.000

Example 2 Rheological Properties of the Modeling Compound

In this example, the rheological and physical properties of a modelingcompound according to first aspect of the disclosure comprisingmicrospheres F-80DE MICROPEARL® (Sample A) and a modeling compound thatdo not contain microspheres F-80DE MICROPEARL® (Sample B) were compared.

TABLE 6 Formulation of the modeling compounds Sample A and Sample BSample A Sample B INGREDIENT Weight Percent Weight Percent SODIUMCHLORIDE 6.073 6.085 CALCIUM CHLORIDE 6.073 6.085 ALUM 0.601 0.401POTASSIUM SORBATE 0.300 0.000 SODIUM BENZOATE 0.200 0.201 FLOUR 30.03034.509 C-GEL 04230, WAXY MAIZE 2.336 6.061 STARCH PEGOSPERSE ® 1500MS0.000 0.495 BLOCK COPOLYMER 1.201 0.000 SURFACTANT F-80DE MICROPEARL ®0.601 0.000 VEGETABLE OIL 1.668 0.000 MINERAL OIL 1.668 2.840 WATER49.216 43.290 FRAGRANCE 0.033 0.033 TOTAL 100.000 100.000

Various properties of the modeling compounds were evaluated by means andmethods described herein.

Viscosity

In some embodiments, a Rheometer was used to measure viscosity of boththe instant modeling compound (Sample A) and a modeling compound that donot contain microspheres (Sample B). The Rheometer is a rotational speedand stress controlled Rheometer. Measuring material filled the spacebetween the bottom stationary plate and the upper rotating cone and flowbehaviour was measured. Viscosity measurements were recorded in Pas*secat changing Shear Rates (1/sec) at controlled Shear Stress. The testconformed to DIN 53018 and the measurements were done at 22° C. Theresults were plotted as viscosity curve in which flow characteristicswere recorded over a range of shear rate (FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 1,the viscosity as measured in Pascal second [Pas*s, PA-S] of Sample B ishigher than viscosity of Sample A at changing sheer rates D measured insec⁻¹[1/s].

The effect of the concentration of surfactant in the modeling compoundwas studied. Modeling compounds having 0, 1.2, 2.4 and 3.5 percentweight of difunctional block copolymer surfactant and having the sameconcentration of starch-based binder, retrogradation inhibitor andmicrospheres were prepared. Viscosity of each sample was measured asdescribed above. The results were plotted in FIG. 2 as viscosity curvein which flow characteristics were recorded over a range of shear rate.As shown in FIG. 2, the modeling compound comprising 1.2% difunctionalblock copolymer surfactant had a viscosity of about 370 Pas*s ascompared to 853 Pas*s for the same compound which did not include thesurfactant.

Texture Analysis

The texture of the instant modeling compound (Sample A) and of Sample Bwas measured using a texture Analyzer. Texture Analyzer can be operatedin either compression or tension modes. The compression mode was used totest the hardness or viscoelastic properties of Sample A and Sample B.In compression mode, the probe was moved down slowly at pretest speeduntil a threshold value (the trigger) is reached (5 g). The probe thenwas moved a set distance (10 mm) at a set speed (0.5 mm/sec) into thesample material that was placed and fixed on the base table. Thedeformation force was continuously monitored as a function of both timeand distance until the probe again returned to its starting position.The Max Force was recorded at the 10 mm distance. The Max Force ofSample B was found to be about 417.65 g, whereas the Max Force of SampleA was found to be about 289.3 g. Based on the texture analysis theinstant modeling compound was found to be 1.44 times softer than SampleB.

Extrusion

The extrusion rate and extrusion time was measured by pushing themodeling compounds through a nozzle and the amount of time and extrusionrate were measured for both Sample A and Sample B. Based on theextrusion data, Sample A is 4.6 times easier to extrude than Sample B.

Effect of Drying on the Appearance of the Modeling Compounds

FIG. 3 shows a picture of two molded shapes having a dimension of 6×4×2cm molded using Sample A and Sample B. The molded shapes were dried for48 hours at room temperature. As shown in FIG. 3, the molded shape madewith Sample B shows cracks that are not apparent in the molded form madewith the modeling compound disclosed in the present disclosure.

Example 3 Exemplary Formulation of the Modeling Compounds

Table 7 below provides an exemplary formulation for the starch-basedmodeling compound according to second aspect of the disclosure in weightpercent of the total compound.

TABLE 7 Formulation of the modeling compound 6 (Sample C) ModelingCompound 6 INGREDIENT Weight Percent SODIUM CHLORIDE 5.94 CALCIUMCHLORIDE 5.94 ALUMINUM SULFATE 0.59 POTASSIUM SORBATE 0.32 SODIUMBENZOATE 0.21 STARCH-BASED BINDER: WHEAT FLOUR 21.44 CROSS-LINKED STARCH(PolarTex ® 06746) 2.9 WAXY MAIZE STARCH (C-GEL 04230) 0.97 BLOCKCOPOLYMER SURFACTANT 1.27 F-80DE MICROPEARL ® 0.77 HYDROGENATEDVEGETABLE OIL 1.65 MINERAL OIL 3.8 VINYLPYRROLIDONE POLYMER 2.48GLYCERIN 96% 9.91 WATER 41.81 TOTAL 100.000

In some embodiment, fragrance and colorants can be added to theformulation to improve appearance and odor.

Example 4 Rheological Properties of the Modeling Compound Sample C

In this example, the rheological and physical properties of a modelingcompound according to second aspect of the disclosure comprising acombination of glycerine and vinylpyrrolidone polymer (Sample C), amodeling compound that do not contain microspheres F-80DE MICROPEARL®and that do not contain glycerine nor vinylpyrrolidone polymer (SampleB) and a modeling compound comprising microspheres F-80DE MICROPEARL®(Sample A) but that do not contain glycerine nor vinylpyrrolidonepolymer were compared.

TABLE 8 Formulation of the modeling compounds Sample A, Sample B andSample C Sample A Sample B Sample C INGREDIENT Weight Percent WeightPercent Weight Percent SODIUM 6.073 6.085 5.94 CHLORIDE CALCIUM 6.0736.085 5.94 CHLORIDE ALUM 0.601 0.401 0.59 POTASSIUM 0.300 0.000 0.32SORBATE SODIUM 0.200 0.201 0.21 BENZOATE FLOUR 30.030 34.509 21.44 C-GEL04230, 2.336 6.061 0.97 WAXY MAIZE STARCH CROSS-LINKED 0.000 0.000 2.9STARCH (PolarTex 06747) PEGOSPERSE ® 0.000 0.495 0.000 1500MSDIFUNCTIONAL 1.201 0.000 1.27 BLOCK COPOLYMER SURFACTANT F-80DE 0.6010.000 0.77 MICROPEARL ® VEGETABLE OIL 1.668 0.000 1.65 MINERAL OIL 1.6682.840 3.8 GLYCERIN 96% 0.000 0.000 9.91 VINYL- 0.000 0.000 2.48PYRROLIDONE POLYMER WATER 49.216 43.290 41.81 FRAGRANCE 0.033 0.033TOTAL 100.000 100.000 100.000

Various properties of the modeling compounds were evaluated by means andmethods described herein.

Viscosity

In some embodiments, a Rheometer was used to measure viscosity of amodeling compound according to a first aspect of the disclosure (SampleA), a modeling compound according to a second aspect of the disclosure(Sample C) and a modeling compound that do not contain microspheres(Sample B). The Rheometer is a rotational speed and stress controlledRheometer. As used in this instance, only shear rate was controlled; theinstrument measured resistance to motion (i.e., tau) and viscosity isdy/dx. Measuring material filled the space between the bottom stationaryplate and the upper rotating cone and flow behaviour was measured.Viscosity measurements were recorded in Pas*sec (PA-S) at changing ShearRates (1/sec) at measured Shear Stress. The test conformed to DIN 53018and the measurements were done at 22° C. The dtau/dreciprocal secondswas plotted to produce the viscosity curve in which flow characteristicswere recorded over a range of shear rates and as shear stress curve(FIG. 7).

FIG. 7 shows the viscosity (Eta, measured in Pascal second [PA-S]) ofSample A, Sample B and Sample C in function of the shear rate (D,measured in sec⁻¹[1/s]) and the shear stress (Tau, measured in Pascal)in function of the shear rate (D). The viscosity curves of Sample A,Sample B and Sample C show that Sample C had a lower viscosity thanSample B at changing shear rates. FIG. 7 shows that the viscosity ofSample C decreases more rapidly than the viscosity of Sample B infunction of the shear rate. As shown in FIG. 7, Sample A, Sample B andSample C have pseudoplastic properties, i.e. have the capability ofchanging apparent viscosity with a change in shear rate. The viscosityof the different modeling compounds tested increases when the shear ratedecreases. The shear stress curve shows that, at the shear rates above0.05 sec⁻¹, more than twice as much work must be applied to make SampleB flow at the same rate as Sample A or Sample C. Without being bound bythe theory, it is believed that the improved flowability of Sample A andSample C is due to the ball bearing effect of the microspheres presentin the compounds, the surfactant and the plasticizing oils.

Texture Analysis

The texture of a modeling compound according to a first aspect of thedisclosure (Sample A), a modeling compound according to a second aspectof the disclosure (Sample C) and a modeling compound that do not containmicrospheres (Sample B) was measured using a texture Analyzer. Texturemeasurements are indicative of the effort needed to manipulate or shapethe modeling compound. Texture Analyzer can be operated in eithercompression or tension modes. The compression mode was used to test thehardness or viscoelastic properties of Sample A, Sample B and Sample C.In compression mode, the probe was moved down slowly at pretest speeduntil a threshold value (the trigger) is reached (5 g). The probe thenwas moved a set distance (10 mm) at a set speed (0.5 mm/sec) into thesample material that was placed and fixed on the base table. Thedeformation force was continuously monitored as a function of both timeand distance until the probe again returned to its starting position.The Max Force was recorded at the 10 mm distance.

The Max Force of Sample B was found to be about 417.65 g, whereas theMax Force of Sample A was found to be about 289.3 g and the Max Force ofSample C was found to be about 200 g. Based on the texture analysis themodeling compound according to a second aspect of the disclosure (SampleC) was found to be 0.7 times softer than Sample A.

Extrusion

The extrusion rate and extrusion time was measured by pushing themodeling compounds through a nozzle and the amount of time and extrusionrate were measured for Sample A, Sample B and Sample C. The averageextrusion rate of Sample C was about 1.6 gram/sec whereas averageextrusion rate of Sample A was about 0.52 gram/sec, and the averageextrusion rate for Sample B was about 0.12 gram/sec. Based on theextrusion data, Sample C is 3 times easier to extrude than Sample A and13 times easier than conventional starch-based based compound (SampleB).

Effect of Drying on the Appearance of the Modeling Compounds

The relationship between the percent of glycerine and the percent ofshrinkage over time was examined under different environmentalconditions. FIG. 4A shows the shrinkage of the modeling compound in theabsence of glycerine in function of time (days). FIG. 4B shows theshrinkage of the modeling compound in the presence of 5% glycerine infunction of time (days). FIG. 4C shows the shrinkage of the modelingcompound in the presence of 10% glycerine in function of time (days).FIG. 4D shows the shrinkage of the modeling compound in the presence of15% glycerine in function of time (days). As shown in FIG. 4A and FIG.4C, at ambient wintertime condition (square), the modeling compoundwithout glycerin shrinks 10% whereas the modeling compound comprising10% glycerin shrinks only 5%. When relative humidity is higher(diamond), the modeling compound without glycerine shrinks 8% whereasthe modeling compound comprising 10% glycerin shrinks only 3%.

According to some embodiments, the modeling composition comprises astarch-based binder, water, a retrogradation inhibitor and microspheres.According to some embodiments, the modeling composition can furthercomprise a surfactant. According to some embodiments, the modelingcomposition can further comprise a lubricant, salt, and a preservative.

According to some embodiments, the modeling composition can compriseabout 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about 40% by weightstarch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 5.0% by weight lubricant, about0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% to about 20% by weightsalt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative, about 0.5% to about5% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, 0% to about 1% by weighthardener, about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres, 0% to about10% by weight humectant, 0% to about 0.5% by weight fragrance, and 0% toabout 5% by weight colorant.

According to some embodiments, the modeling composition can compriseabout 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about 40% by weightstarch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 8.0% by weight lubricant, about0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% to about 20% by weightsalt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative, about 0.5% to about10% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, about 0.15% to about 1.2% byweight microspheres, about 0.5% to about 8% by weight vinylpyrrolidonepolymers, 0% to about 15% polyols, 0% to about 1% by weight hardener, 0%to about 0.5% by weight fragrance, and 0% to about 5% by weightcolorant.

According to some embodiments, the microspheres can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of pre-expanded microspheres, glassmicrospheres, or some combination thereof. The microspheres can behollow microspheres, solid microspheres or some combination thereof. Insome embodiments, the microspheres can have a size ranging from about 20microns to about 130 microns.

According to some embodiments, the starch-based binder can comprisegelatinized starch. According to some embodiments, the starch-basedbinder can be selected from a group consisting of one of wheat flour,rye flour, rice flour, tapioca flour or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the salt can be selected from the groupconsisting of one of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassiumchloride or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the lubricant can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of mineral oil, vegetable oil, vegetable fat,triglycerides or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the retrogradation inhibitor can compriseamylopectin. For example, the retrogradation inhibitor can be selectedfrom the group consisting of one of waxy corn starch, waxy rice starch,waxy potato starch or some combination thereof. According to someembodiments, the retrogradation inhibitor can be crosslinked starch,modified starch, modified crosslinked starch or some combinationthereof. For example, the retrogradation inhibitor can be crosslinkedwaxy maize starch, modified waxy maize starch, modified crosslinked waxymaize starch or some combination thereof. In some embodiments, themodeling composition can comprise up to 8 percent weight ofretrogradation inhibitor, such as crosslinked starch, modified starch,modified crosslinked starch.

According to some embodiments, the surfactant can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of polyethylene glycol esters of oleic acid,polyethylene glycol esters of stearic acid, polyethylene glycol estersof palmitic acid, polyethylene glycol esters of lauric acid, ethoxylatedalcohols, block copolymer of ethylene oxide, block copolymer ofpropylene oxide, block copolymer of ethylene and propylene oxides orsome combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the preservative is selected from thegroup consisting of one of calcium propionate, sodium benzoate,potassium sorbate, other food grade preservatives or some combinationthereof.

According to some embodiments, the hardener can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of sodium aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminumsulfate, aluminum ammonium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, ammonium ferricsulfate or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the acidulant can be selected from thegroup consisting of one of citric acid, alum, potassium dihydrogensulphate or some combination thereof.

According to some embodiments, the method of preparing the starch-basedmodeling compound comprises providing a mixer, adding to the mixer andmixing about 30% to about 60% by weight water, about 20% to about 40% byweight starch-based binder, about 2.0% to about 5.0% by weightlubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, about 5% toabout 20% by weight salt, about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative,about 0.5% to about 5% by weight retrogradation inhibitor, 0% to about1% by weight hardener, about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres,0% to about 10% by weight humectant, 0% to about 0.5% by weightfragrance, and 0% to about 5% by weight colorant.

According to some embodiments, the ingredients can be mixed to form afirst mixture prior to adding water to the first mixture, and the watercan be heated prior to adding the water to the first mixture.

According to some embodiments, the method of preparing the starch-basedmodeling compound comprises providing a mixer, adding the followingingredients to the mixer and mixing: about 20% to about 40% by weightstarch-based binder, about 5% to about 20% by weight salt, about 0.1% toabout 1% by weight preservative, about 0.5% to about 8% by weightretrogradation inhibitor, 0% to about 1% by weight hardener, adding thefollowing ingredients and mixing: about 2.0% to about 8.0% by weightlubricant, about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant, adding thefollowing ingredients and mixing: about 30% to about 60% by weightwater, about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres, adding 0% toabout 15% polyols and mixing; and optionally adding % to about 0.5% byweight fragrance and 0% to about 5% by weight colorant and mixing toform the starch-based modeling compound.

The disclosure has been described with reference to particular preferredembodiments, but variations within the spirit and scope of thedisclosure will occur to those skilled in the art. It is noted that theforegoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose ofexplanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the presentdisclosure. While the present disclosure has been described withreference to exemplary embodiments, it is understood that the words,which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration,rather than words of limitation. Changes may be made, within the purviewof the appended claims, as presently stated and as amended, withoutdeparting from the scope and spirit of the present disclosure in itsaspects. Although the present disclosure has been described herein withreference to particular means, materials and embodiments, the presentdisclosure is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosedherein; rather, the present disclosure extends to all functionallyequivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope ofthe appended claims.

All patents, patent applications, and published references cited hereinare hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety. While themethods of the present disclosure have been described in connection withthe specific embodiments thereof, it will be understood that it iscapable of further modification. Furthermore, this application isintended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the methods ofthe present disclosure, including such departures from the presentdisclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art towhich the methods of the present disclosure pertain, and as fall withinthe scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A modeling composition comprising: (a) about 30% to about 60% by weight water; (b) about 20% to about 40% by weight starch-based binder; (c) about 2.0% to about 8.0% by weight lubricant; (d) about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant; (e) about 5% to about 20% by weight salt; (f) about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative; (g) about 0.5% to about 10% by weight retrogradation inhibitor; (h) about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres; (i) about 0.5% to about 8% by weight vinylpyrrolidone polymers, wherein the vinylpyrrolidone polymers have a molecular weight ranging from about 900,000 to 1,500,000; (j) 0% to about 15% polyol; (k) 0% to about 1% by weight hardener; (l) 0% to about 0.5% by weight fragrance; and (m) 0% to about 5% by weight colorant.
 2. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the polyols are selected form the group consisting of glycerine, sorbitol, propylene glycol and some combination thereof.
 3. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the microspheres are selected from the group consisting of pre-expanded microspheres, glass microspheres, and some combination thereof.
 4. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the microspheres are hollow microspheres, solid microspheres or some combination thereof.
 5. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the microspheres have a size ranging from about 20 microns to about 130 microns.
 6. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the salt is selected from the group consisting of sodium chloride, calcium chloride, potassium chloride and some combination thereof.
 7. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the lubricant is selected from the group consisting of mineral oil, vegetable oil, vegetable fat, triglycerides and some combination thereof.
 8. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the retrogradation inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of crosslinked starch, modified starch, modified crosslinked starch, starch or some combinations thereof.
 9. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the retrogradation inhibitor is selected from the group consisting of crosslinked waxy maize starch; modified waxy maize starch, modified crosslinked waxy maize starch, waxy corn starch, waxy rice starch, waxy potato starch and some combination thereof.
 10. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the surfactant is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene glycol esters of oleic acid, polyethylene glycol esters of stearic acid, polyethylene glycol esters of palmitic acid, polyethylene glycol esters of lauric acid, ethoxylated alcohols, block copolymer of ethylene oxide, block copolymer of propylene oxide, block copolymer of ethylene and propylene oxides and some combination thereof.
 11. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the starch-based binder is selected from the group consisting of wheat flour, rye flour, rice flour, tapioca flour and some combination thereof.
 12. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein preservative is selected from the group consisting of calcium propionate, sodium benzoate, potassium sorbate, and some combination thereof.
 13. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the hardener is selected from the group consisting of sodium aluminum sulfate, potassium aluminum sulfate, aluminum ammonium sulfate, aluminum sulfate, ammonium ferric sulfate and some combination thereof.
 14. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the acidulant is selected from the group consisting of citric acid, alum, potassium dihydrogen sulphate and some combination thereof.
 15. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the vinylpyrrolidone polymers are selected from the group of vinylpyrrolidone homopolymers, vinylpyrrolidone copolymers and some combination thereof.
 16. The modeling composition of claim 1, wherein the polyol is glycerin 96%.
 17. The modeling composition of claim 8, wherein the retrogradation inhibitor comprises up to 8% by weight crosslinked waxy maize starch, modified waxy maize starch, modified crosslinked waxy maize starch or some combination thereof.
 18. A method of preparing a starch-based modeling compound comprising: (a) providing a mixer; (b) adding ingredients (1)-(6) to the mixer and mixing: (1) about 20% to about 40% by weight starch-based binder; (2) about 5% to about 20% by weight salt; (3) about 0.1% to about 1% by weight preservative; (4) about 0.5% to about 8% by weight retrogradation inhibitor; and (5) 0% to about 1% by weight hardener; (6) about 0.5% to about 8% by weight vinylpyrrolidone polymers, wherein the vinylpyrrolidone polymers have a molecular weight ranging from about 900,000 to 1,500,000; (c) adding ingredients (7)-(8) and mixing: (7) about 2.0% to about 8.0% by weight lubricant; and (8) about 0.5% to about 4.0% by weight surfactant; (d) adding ingredients (9)-(10) and mixing: (9) about 30% to about 60% by weight water; and (10) about 0.15% to about 1.2% by weight microspheres; (e) adding 0% to about 15% polyol and mixing; (f) optionally adding ingredients (11)-(12) and mixing to form the starch-based modeling compound, (11) 0% to about 0.5% by weight fragrance; and (12) 0% to about 5% by weight colorant.
 19. The modeling composition of claim 18, wherein the polyol is glycerin 96%.
 20. The modeling composition of claim 18, wherein the retrogradation inhibitor comprises up to 8% by weight crosslinked waxy maize starch, modified waxy maize starch, modified crosslinked waxy maize starch or some combination thereof. 